Alt.Latino

The music of your parents and grandparents is now part of a music industry trend that may soon overtake the popularity of reggaetón.

Here's a little preview of six artists we're most excited to see at the virtual Latin Alternative Music Conference — most of which we've never heard before.

Ben Lapidus, scholar and Grammy-nominated musician, explains New York's central role in developing Latin music across the U.S. and Latin America.

We sat down with the director of Selena, an author, a college professor and the creator of the wildly popular Anything for Selena podcast to talk Selena's legacy. Touching on topics from maintaining her Tejano roots to what they imagine would have been her Latin Trap collab with Bad Bunny, these experts had us feeling all kinds of Selena energy and love in the room.

Featuring Mon Laferte, Cuco and Juanes, Alt.Latino shares the latest songs you need to know. Follow the playlist on Apple Music and Spotify.

Tino Contreras talks about his upcoming show at the former home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, the famous Casa Azul in Mexico City. This interview was conducted en español.

Fans from around the world speak of Omar Sosa's gigs as spiritual experiences — the silence is just as important as the notes. The pianist's new album features field recordings of traditional musicians and instruments from East Africa.

Latin music is part of the cultural fabric of America. Two new books from Leila Cobo and Betto Arcos show how far back that history goes.

We dive back in time to understand the roles women have occupied in Latin music, and look forward at the artists blazing new trails — pushing progress for both female instrumentalism and the entirety of Latin music.

This week we present stories of the pandemic from NPR, StoryCorps and the University of Texas to remember a year of loss and hope.

Bobi Céspedes' spiritual presence is as joyful as her voice. On this episode, the singer shares her music and connection to her African roots.

This week's episode examines the story of the force behind a social movement. Johnny Pacheco crafted a legacy of cultural pride and stellar musicianship for Fania Records, imprinting his own genius in the minds and hearts of generations of musicians to come in the process.

Mexican Institute of Sound's Camilo Lara invites us to Distrito Federal by taking us on a tour of his past, including a party at Prince's Paisley Park.

Chick Corea's music has been such a big part of our lives. Arturo O'Farrill, Sofía Rei, Haydée Milanés, Rubén Blades and many others share what his music meant to them.

It's been a while, so the digital mail bag of new music has been piling up. Hear new music from Bomba Estéreo, Magos Herrera, Diamante Eléctrico and more! Songs featured on this episode: • Gustavo Cortiñas and Desafío Candente (feat. Xavier Quijas Yxayotl), "Abya Yala" • Salt Cathedral (feat. Ximena Sariñana), "Te Quiero Olvidar" • Magos Herrera, "La Creación de las Aves" • Bomba Estéreo, "Agua" • Nancy Sanchez, "Hasta Que Todos Estemos A Salvo" • Ani Cordero, "Es Amor" • Jessica...

Gustavo Santaolalla — musician, producer, film and video game composer — embodies Duke Ellington's highest praise: "beyond category."

The Cuban drummer and Guatemalan film composer offer deeper understandings of the creative process and how cultural influences shape their creative output.

We take a break from the music for a Latinx perspective on the events that took place at the United States Capitol on Jan. 6.

The Argentine vocalist mixes tradition and various contemporary genres in her Tiny Desk Meets globalFEST performance.

We celebrate a year of discovery with some Alt.Latino favorites as well as a ton of discoveries from throughout the year. Songs featured in this episode: • Ana Tijoux, "ANTIFA DANCE" • Alea, "Échale Sal" • Xenia Rubinos, "Who Shot Ya?" • Gaby Moreno, Shara Nova and Cantus Domus, "Try/Tratar de Transformar" • Gina Chavez, "Ella" • Angelica Garcia, "Agua de Rosa" • La Bruja de Texcoco, "Chéni (Miedo)" • Nancy Sanchez (feat. Olmeca), "La Gran Civilización" • Helado Negro (feat. Xenia...